Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (MAJOR. R. MITCHELL. R.E.); British War Medal (MAJOR. R. MITCHELL.); Victory Medal with M.I.D. Oakleaf (MAJOR. R. MITCHELL.); Coronation Medal 1902; Territorial Decoration GVR (Hallmarks for London 1918) - unnamed as awarded.
Robert Mitchell was born in Logierieve, Aberdeen in June 1873 and was educated at the Gymnasium, Old Aberdeen and the Aberdeen University where he graduated in Law. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion Aberdeenshire Royal Engineers (Volunteers) on 14.11.1900 and promoted Lieutenant on 21.5.1902 - he was awarded the 1902 Coronation Medal in the same year as a member of the 1st Aberdeen Volunteer Engineers. Promoted Captain on 31.3.1906, he reverted to Lieutenant at own request on 31.3.1908 and transferred to the Highland Division, Royal Engineers, on their formation on 1.4.1908. He was promoted Captain again on 9.7.1910.
Mitchell served in France with 1/2nd Highland Field Company from 19.3.1915 until 1.11.1916 and was officer Commanding the unit. He was promoted Major on 1.6.1916 and served with 134th Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers from 1.3.1917 until the end of the war on 11.11.1918. He retired on 30.9.1921.
His D.S.O. was awarded in the London Gazette 14.1.1916, Captain (temporary Major) Robert Mitchell, 2nd Highland Field Company, Royal Engineers, Territorial Force. T.D. and his MID in the LG of 30.5.1919 - Major Robert Mitchell, D.S.O., Highland Division, Royal Engineers.
Mitchell was a Solicitor and partner in the firm of Wilsone and Duffus, Aberdeen. He paid tribute to his men in an article in the Aberdeen Press & Journal of 2 June 1915 as follows:
"Major Robert Mitchell, the officer commanding the 1/2 Highland Field Company of the Royal Engineers (Territorials), who is at present in Aberdeen to a Journal representative yesterday expressed his unstinted appreciation of the work done by the Aberdeen Engineers in France. "I could not wish to have a better body of men under me," he said, "and the way they have come through the recent heavy fighting does them the greatest credit. Our casualties, despite the dangerous work, have fortunately been exceedingly few." The Aberdeen company of the Engineers were in the forefront of a great advance on the part of the British some time ago. Major Mitchell is enjoying a six days' furlough, and up till Saturday, will be staying at his house, East Maryfield, Foxhill Road."
The same publication carried an article on 14 July 1939, after his death, which conveyed news of the very many generous bequests made to colleagues and staff in his will. He was unmarried when he passed away in 1939.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with research. Includes the original case of issue for the Coronation 1902.
